Thursday, August 27, 2009

Will Willie Wilt This Year?


I try to stay away from the whole Willie Martinez situation. There are plenty of people out there calling for his head, as a contrarian by nature, I tend to defend him if only under my breath.

I will point out that guys were in position to make the tackle against N. Avenue Votech and just didn't get the job done. I have even pointed out the personnel discrepancies from the Van Gorder era. But really, I am just a homer, a Dawg to the core and I don't like talking bad about my people.

Mark Bradley's break down today is bullet proof, at least as far as my ammo goes.  I am rooting for Willie to get it turned around and arrest this trend. I admire Coach Richt and his loyalty to his staff, especially his loyalty to his long time friend.  But this season has to be do or die.

Please read Bradley's piece and give me your opinion. Is this the year Willie turns it around? Is this Willie's last year? Are we stuck with Willie no matter the results?

Hot Button: Is UGA's Martinez a good defensive coordinator? | Mark Bradley
The average score of a Georgia loss in four seasons under VanGorder was 21-12. Not once in any of the 10 losses with BVG as DC did the Bulldogs score 20 points themselves, meaning those defeats were more related to offensive failings. Now look:

The average score of a Georgia loss in four seasons under Martinez has been 32-23. Five times in those 12 losses the Bulldogs have scored 30-plus points, which means the offense has been holding up its end.


3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am a big fan of Coach Richt and all his "Richt-like" staff. Martinez truly is a great guy and we are lucky to have such a great staff of people who really care about the university, the players, and the fans. HOWEVER, it makes me sad to see the bulldogs play with such pitiful fundamental skills. I believe Martinez has a great understanding of defensive schemes, but the players really need to play with more discipline. Mark my words:

Fundamentals and discipline is the HEART of BVG's defense. You stay in your zones, you blitz with wreckless abandonment, and you make your tackles...PERIOD. I have seen way too many poor tackles, confusions in zone coverage, and a lack of heart when getting through the line. This has to change and change now!

The Watch Dawg said...

Martinez has been loyal to us. Miami came after him hard, and it would have been easy for him to leave, especially considering how many Georgia people have been calling for his head, but he stuck with us. All of our assistants stuck with us. So pardon me if I value that enough to say Willie deserves to stay.

MikeInValdosta said...

No pardon required, Watch Dawg.